480 
VEETEBPtATA. 
Genus GALEICHTHYS : Galeichthys. — This includes the Oceanic Cat-Fish, G. marinus, 
one to two feet long, found on our coasts ; its tiesh is said to be excellent. 
THE L0RICARIIDJ3. 
This family includes several South American species, Avhich have the whole body covered 
Avith an armor of bony plates. They are nearly allied to the Siluridai. 
THE AMBLYOPSID^. 
This family includes a single species, the Blind Fish, Ainblyopsis spelceus, found in a small 
lake or stream in the great Mammoth Cave of Kentucky. It is three and a half inches long, the 
eye covered with opaque skin, or entirely wanting. The anus is situated on the throat in front of 
the pectoral fins. The young are brought forth alive. 
THE COMMON EUROPEAN EEL. 
THE MUR^ENID.5]. 
Having described the abdominal species of the Physostomata, we now come to the apodal 
species. The first family is the Murcenidce, which includes the common Eels. These have an 
elongated form, and a soft, thick, slimy skin ; the scales are very minute, and imbedded in the 
thick, fat cuticle so as only to be seen when this is dried. The gill orifices are small, and car- 
ried far back, so that the branchiae are protected, on which account these animals can live a con- 
siderable time out of water. They are averse to cold, and are not found in high northern coun- 
tries. Many species of eels constantly inhabit the sea ; others generally live in rivers, lakes, 
and ponds, and usually make two annual migrations, one in the autumn to the brackish waters 
of the estuaries of rivers, and one in spring, when they return to the fresh waters. In winter 
they lie concealed in the mud, but are often taken in this condition by spears. The reproduction 
